Modification of Child Support

Modification of Child Support

Child Support Attorney Serving Tampa, Florida

In Florida, either parent may petition for modification of
child support so long as the change in child support requested amounts to 15% or $50
(whichever amount is greater) according to § 61.30(b) of the Florida
Statutes. Child support modifications are requested and granted primarily
on the basis of "a substantial change in circumstances."

The support agreement that once worked for you may no longer be sustainable.
Whether you need to file for a support modification or you are responding
to a child support modification petition by contesting it, Givens Givens
Sparks is here for you. With our Board Certified family lawyers on staff,
you can trust our knowledge of Florida family law to secure you the best
possible result.

How the State Determines "Substantial Change"

The state will consider a few different factors when determining if there
is a substantial change of circumstances that warrants a modification.
Some include:

Income

Expenses

Disability

Other state/federal benefits

Health

One common reason a parent will petition for a child support modification
is if they lose their Job or experience a substantial pay cut. On the
other hand, parents with primary custody can petition for an increase
in child support if their child develops a health condition requiring
additional medical care.

Filing the Petition

Parents who file a petition to modify child support are required to notify
the other party in the case by way of a supplemental petition. The recipient
has 20 days to respond to the petition. After this, there are three possible
scenarios:

The case goes into default

The petition is uncontested

The case is contested

Default is when the other party fails to respond within 20 days. Uncontested
is when the respondent agrees with the petition, and contested is when
the respondent files a counter-petition because they do not agree with
the request for child support modification.

Contacting Givens Givens Sparks

Our law firm represents clients on both sides of child support modification
cases. In any case, we work with our clients as well as the other party
involved to achieve an amicable resolution. Our goal is to secure the
best possible result for you and your family as quickly and smoothly as
possible. To learn more about how our Tampa family law firm can help you,
call us today.

The information on this website is for general information purposes only.
Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual
case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt
or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.